Courtesy of SwimTrek, a SwimSwam partner.
If you’re a lifelong pool swimmer, there’s a chance you’ve never heard of SwimTrek before. Part of their success has been the wide array of trips they offer. Yet most of these unfold in open waters – far from chlorinated confines. Now, they’re also breaking past records by having 11 destinations already on sale for 2026.
This should be music to the ears of those of you who venture outside the lanes. To swimmers who still need to build confidence, there’s plenty of time to train if you spin the globe and choose an adventure this far in advance. There’s every chance this might just be your new favorite hobby.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the world’s best swims filling up right now with 2026 departures:
Ever daydreamed about the ultimate swimming adventure for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? The Galapagos Islands is truly the setting of swimmers’ dreams. This volcanic archipelago, scattered across the Pacific Ocean, is home to a diverse variety of wildlife both above and below water. There’s a reason Charles Darwin took a five-week voyage here.
Galapagos Islands. Photo: Benjamin McIvor.
SwimTrek takes swimmers to the calm waters of Belize Barrier Reef, guiding swims over seagrass beds and coral reefs. You also stay on Turneffe Atoll – the largest atoll in Belize, which is also often listed as the most biologically diverse in the Southern Hemisphere.
Belize. Photo: Eabha Cox.
With its close proximity to Europe and year-round warm waters, Oman is the perfect getaway destination for Northern Hemisphere swimmers in winter.
Escape to the many lush islands of Palawan and enjoy a range of activities – not just swimming – such as snorkeling and kayaking included in the trip price. Discover tall sea cliffs, lagoons, sinkholes and exciting swim-throughs.
Palawan. Photo: Thomas Oliver.
For those of you who can’t get enough of clear blue waters, balmy air temperatures and unspoilt beaches. SwimTrek head to the tropical islands St Kitts and Nevis for an escape that’s as action-packed as you like.
“This trip had excellent swims, beautiful water and I didn’t want it to end!” – Caitlin M, USA (2024)
Thread your way through the Indian Ocean and enjoy a unique Liveaboard holiday, seeking out lesser-known reefs and shielded waters teeming with marine life.
Get lost in your surroundings among the impressive karst islands of Lan Ha Bay. This is tranquil bay swimming at its finest, as well as an intimate exploration of Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
“Great SwimTrek leaders, great swimmers and a unique, very special location…” – Peter M, Australia (2024)
Take on iconic races and weave your way along the historic Lycian Way in this fascinating country. SwimTrek have been running trips in the local Mediterranean waters since 2003.
Swim away from the bustle of everyday life and discover for yourself a blend of mythic romance and natural beauty. The sunlit Greek Islands were seemingly built as stopping points for open water explorers.
From the sunbaked coastline of Sardinia to the shimmering waters of the Tremiti Islands, SwimTrek offer unique adventures in Italian waters, warmed by the country’s world-famous culture and hospitality.
Montenegro is one of the untouched gems of our water world. Set on the coast of the Adriatic, you can swim the serene bays, circled by mountains, and venture right up to the shores of Albania.
Palawan. Photo: Thomas Oliver.
About SwimTrek
Run by swimmers for over 20 years, SwimTrek are the world’s pioneer of open water swimming vacations. Their portfolio of award-winning trips spans 23 countries and more than 50 locations around the world, from Baja to Fiji.
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